Betta next door

[Olive]

My next door neighbor finally let her sons have a betta but only if they would put it in a jar...........(yikes!). He is lethargic and unhappy...............The kids do a great job of keeping the jar (over 1 gallon) clean with regular water changes, and there are lots of plant roots in there to keep him happy and squeezed in tight, and they feed him the right kinds of foods....but he is cold. (They keep the temp around 63 F to keep the gas bill down). How could these kids keep the Betta warm??? I cannot save him as they really do love him and I have no room. They don't understand what the big deal is......and if I took him they would just get another. I am not sure that a regular aquarium heater would fit in there, so what do you all think? Please help me, I can't stand knowing he is cold.

 

[White Whale]

They should keep the betta in the warmest part of the house. It should be explained that this particular type of fish comes from the tropics - tropical like sand and warm weather and jungles. They should be taught that a betta will die at the slightest chill because it naturally does not have any way to produce fat to fight off the cold. I dunno if that's true, but it sounds good to me.

 

[Olive]

They should keep the betta in the warmest part of the house. It should be explained that this particular type of fish comes from the tropics - tropical like sand and warm weather and jungles. They should be taught that a betta will die at the slightest chill because it naturally does not have any way to produce fat to fight off the cold. I dunno if that's true, but it sounds good to me.

I have tried to explain the importance but the mom isn't one of the sharpest tools in the toolshed if you know what I mean. She counters with she sees these bowls everywhere and they are doing fine, so why should she worry? Do they make betta bowl heaters

 

[nightlife20]

explain to the dimwhit that lfs have heaters funnin all night wich = nice warm comfy betta

 

[White Whale]

Yeah, the bowls are everywhere and the fish are fine, but what's the room temperature when you see these bowls?

 

[Olive]

explain to the dimwhit that lfs have heaters funnin all night wich = nice warm comfy betta

don't think she will do it, have already told her that. Any other suggestions? Please, I want to help this poor guy out............

 

[Olive]

Yeah, the bowls are everywhere and the fish are fine, but what's the room temperature when you see these bowls?

tried telling her that too.......she thinks I am some outrageous animal welfare cult leader..........I don't wanna scare her away or she wont let me come over to help the boys change the water and inspect him anymore...........

 

[jobysp]

Could you not get them to replace the water with warmer water from the tap and then place some sort of insulation over the bowl (with a few air holes) to keep the air warm in there for a few days?

Might work - might not...

 

[Sea_Monster87]

Ummm...ok, this may not be the best of ideas, but one of my friends was in the same situation and she put a heating pad under the fish bowl and turned it on for about two hours a day. The only problem is that the water could get too hot and the betta could die from getting over heated, but it can also freeze to death, so I don't know what to tell you...

 

[Olive]

Ummm...ok, this may not be the best of ideas, but one of my friends was in the same situation and she put a heating pad under the fish bowl and turned it on for about two hours a day. The only problem is that the water could get too hot and the betta could die from getting over heated, but it can also freeze to death, so I don't know what to tell you...

I had actually thought of that.......I am glad that you mentioned it. I was thinking maybe to just put it behind it propped up against the wall, on the lowest setting. What do you all think???

 

[freshwatergal]

That's a tricky situation. I don't know if the heating pad would be a good idea. What if they forget to turn it off or something like that. It may be on the lowest setting, but still, heating pads scare me.

What about a desk light shining on it during the day...and maybe have them wrap a towel around him during the night? That way it might keep some of the heat in the water.

Just a few suggestions.

Tiff

 

[Olive]

That's a tricky situation. I don't know if the heating pad would be a good idea. What if they forget to turn it off or something like that. It may be on the lowest setting, but still, heating pads scare me.

What about a desk light shining on it during the day...and maybe have them wrap a towel around him during the night? That way it might keep some of the heat in the water.

Just a few suggestions.

Tiff

Yes, I am afraid too. I was thinking though, if it were just near it and not on it, that would be safer? Yes, I think the light is a good idea and so is the towel. I will tell them that for sure, and to put something on top to keep the warmth in at night (with holes in it). Thanks guys! Please, if you think of anything, let me know. This guy needs help!